Reel Repair by Alan Tani

After working on vintage Mithcells, Dam Quicks and Shakespeares I absolutely disliked working on this rear drag, 10 different kinds of coarse thread screw having, plastic case and bushings, weird spring for drag clicker having reel. Just venting, sorry!
Russ

Better you than me, Russ. Anything with a plastic case is disposable in my mind. Not a fan of skirted spools either. I'd compare it to working on a 1960s car where it's all metal and you can see everything, to a newer car where it's all plastic and electronic...no thanks.

I have one modern reel that is a dream a Shimano Sienna it's cheap & smooth. I was getting a hankering for a new Daiwa Sweepfire & just can't do it. I got a Shakes 2200 metal spool & bail arms for less instead. It will outlive any modern plastic reel. 

Quote from: CincyDavid on February 27, 2026, 01:14:32 PMBetter you than me, Russ. Anything with a plastic case is disposable in my mind. Not a fan of skirted spools either. I'd compare it to working on a 1960s car where it's all metal and you can see everything, to a newer car where it's all plastic and electronic...no thanks.

Quote from: jgp12000 on February 27, 2026, 01:54:52 PMI have one modern reel that is a dream a Shimano Sienna it's cheap & smooth. I was getting a hankering for a new Daiwa Sweepfire & just can't do it. I got a Shakes 2200 metal spool & bail arms for less instead. It will outlive any modern plastic reel. 

Hey guys, thanks for letting me whine! I have an Abu Garcia rear drag from the 80's that has been fine (it does have a metal body though). This one is the worst of both worlds - I think it must be from late 80's or 90's anwyay - not easily servicebale, not smooth (one micro ball bearing and plastic bushings) and not durable. I'll take a 60's or 70's tank or a 21st century Shimano 100 times out of 100 over this reel.

Russ

I did a very late model Mitchell like that; it belonged to the teenage son of a "non-fishing" buddy and just needed basic service.  If he asked me again I would of course help him out, but for Joey Bagodonuts off the street, I would work hard to find a way to say "No". - john

Friends don't let friends fish plastic Tupperware reels.

Best, Fred

I think it's good practice to work on reels like that. Rear drag spinners, bait-runners, 2-speed lever-drag conventional's.
I wish I could afford some of those old-old-school, high-quality spinners to play with. I hate the idea of ruining one though.

Quote from: foakes on Today at 04:51:04 AMFriends don't let friends fish plastic Tupperware reels.

Best, Fred

Fred I think you are being unfair to Tupperware. You can open and close Tupperware way more times without issues, lol.

Quote from: Gfish on Today at 02:12:44 PMI think it's good practice to work on reels like that. Rear drag spinners, bait-runners, 2-speed lever-drag conventional's.
I wish I could afford some of those old-old-school, high-quality spinners to play with. I hate the idea of ruining one though.

I did learn that when working on a plastic reel with coarse threaded screws to double and triple check everything before I close it back up - so it was a learning experience. Every time I opened and closed the case it got harder and harder. Must have cross threaded but felt like I was being careful not to. Anyway, you are right it was good to practice more on something different and I have better feel for rear drag system now. It must have been fairly expensive at one time beacuse it is branded an Orvis.
Russ